Seeking to tap China’s 2015-estimated nine million tonne air freight market, YTO Express is the latest Chinese express provider to receive approval to launch a domestic cargo airline. The Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport-based carrier will initially operate either B737-300 or 737-400 freighters on domestic routes with plans to expand to 15 Boeing freighters in the next three years. The company plans to invest CNY5.5 billion (US$890 million) in its … [Read more...] about YTO Express gets 'ok' to launch cargo carrier
China Eastern Airlines
China pushes for air cargo carrier merger
China's central government has intensified its pressure on Air China, China Eastern Airlines and China Southern Airlines to merge their cargo operations to compete with foreign carriers who dominate the market, the South China Morning Post reported, citing sources close to the matter. The news comes shortly after Payload Asia reported on an air cargo blueprint unveiled by government officials in Beijing in April aimed at securing a larger share of China's air cargo market by domestic players, … [Read more...] about China pushes for air cargo carrier merger
China’s airlines return to profit in 3Q

China’s three major airlines all returned to profit in the third quarter thanks to stronger passenger demand and lower fuel prices. Air China saw its net profit for the July-September period reach US$125.3 million, compared to a loss of US$288.5 million in the same period of last year. China Eastern Airlines recorded a profit of US$3.4 million, following a US$341.2 million loss a year ago, while China Southern Airlines posted US$41.6 million, having lost US$121.5 million in the … [Read more...] about China’s airlines return to profit in 3Q
China's airlines return to profit in 3Q

China’s three major airlines all returned to profit in the third quarter thanks to stronger passenger demand and lower fuel prices. Air China saw its net profit for the July-September period reach US$125.3 million, compared to a loss of US$288.5 million in the same period of last year. China Eastern Airlines recorded a profit of US$3.4 million, following a US$341.2 million loss a year ago, while China Southern Airlines posted US$41.6 million, having lost US$121.5 million in the … [Read more...] about China's airlines return to profit in 3Q
CHINA: China Eastern in black, Shanghai Air sees red
China Eastern Airlines has returned to the black in the first half of 2009 with a net profit of CNY 1.174 billion (US$171.8 million), in a large part due to state subsidies and reduction of its losses from fuel hedging. On the contrary, Shanghai Airlines posted losses of CNY91.29 million. From January to June, weak domestic aviation demand saw China Eastern and Shanghai Air losing CNY 20.976 million and CNY 545 million respectively, from their core businesses. As for the second half of … [Read more...] about CHINA: China Eastern in black, Shanghai Air sees red
Air China to accelerate JV talks with Cathay
Air China will accelerate talks with Cathay Pacific Airways regarding the formation of an air cargo joint venture based in Shanghai, the South China Morning Post reported. The venture is aimed at mounting a stronger challenge to China Eastern Airlines and Shanghai Airlines, which are set to merge this year. Air China posted a first-half net profit of US$424.4 million, up 155 per cent year-on-year on the back of rebounding domestic demand and lower fuel costs. Air China board secretary Huang Bin … [Read more...] about Air China to accelerate JV talks with Cathay
